The Nightmare begins! - 10 years with my GS.....

[@JezNashMusic]

Great stuff, Andy! Nice to know I’m not the only one who makes the occasional daft mistake! Very honest of you to include that in the edit - all adds to the genuine authenticity of this channel!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Jez - always good to hear from you mate!

[@Smudge64]

Back in 2015, I bought my first new GS, a 1200 Triple black, having watched all the videos you released on your GS. Love your channel as it provides a wealth of useful information. I bought a new 1300 in March and this will be a keeper. Long may your channel continue 🙏

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Smudge!

[@ydarbg]

@@Smudge64 How do you find the comfort on the 1300?

[@Smudge64]

@@ydarbg very, I have covered nearly 5,000 miles since mid March with a couple of long trips, one in the Pyrenees. It’s fast, agile, slices through corners and the engine is great.

[@ydarbg]

@@Smudge64 thanks for that... There seems to be a lot of negativity regarding the seat comfort so it's good to hear you've had no issues.

[@trippyrides5674]

A few tips for stuck bolts that may save future trips to Nigel's: 1) penetrating oil does little to nothing for stuck fasteners. Project Farm did some good tests in this regard. 2) Heating bolts with a torch causes expansion which is often enough to crack the rust bond in the bolt threads 3) a few good whacks with a hammer on the end of those pre-torched bolts should help loosen bolts that didn't come out from heat alone. 😊

[@michaelandersen4745]

A cordless impact driver does wonders as well.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the tips!

[@jackgreenhalgh19]

I would love to see more trips on the bike Andy! I still watch your Norway and Scotland tours regularly on this bike!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you! More tours coming soon!

[@sizzers58]

@@TheMissendenFlyer I hope so! As much as I love the GW this 1200 GS has bags more character.

[@nathanwhitley3358]

Always enjoy your sharing Andy. I’d rather watch someone take care of all older bike than ride a brand new one. Loads of ten year old bikes have more than enough power, tech, and sophistication to enjoy. I’d prefer three old bikes to one brand new one for the same total cost.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Me too! My view is once you find a vehicle you love stick with it. Thank you for watching.

[@ragerider6283]

The GS is looking great TMF. Always satisfying to see a bit of restoration come good.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Wats1984]

Good to see an older bike kept in good condition. All to easy to go and get a new one. Look forward to some vlogs on this GS! 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Me too!

[@garyhope0103]

Always good to see the GS Mr Flyer, it brings back so many memorys of your earlier tours ( peak district, and over to france etc) and days out. Looking forward to many more in the future too.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it Gary! Thanks for watching once again, always appreciate your support!

[@garyhope0103]

@@TheMissendenFlyer my pleasure

[@johnmacdonald1878]

Always nice to see the GS out and about.

[@Uniquecapture]

Liking the spruce up vids. Just thought I’d let you know that i’m off to Japan in May and am in touch with Wes of UB Touring. It was your videos that gave me confidence to go with him, thank you 😊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fantastic - tell Wes I said Hi!

[@MarkATaylor]

Respect for having a go, I would have capitulated and taken it to Nigel for the centre stand as well 😂 Looking forward to more tours on the GS by the way. Your old one’s up north and Scotland are still a good watch 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Mark - I appreciate the kind words.

[@redjacc7581]

if you refurbed the centre stand, why not refurb the lights and crash bars?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Just lazy I guess!

[@kwak1k]

You could have the bars powder coated for a lot less than new ones. £30 ish

[@johnterry804]

@@TheMissendenFlyergood video have you got the old lights for sale?

[@GAZ1511]

GS looks good as new, and looking forward to the tours 🏍🏍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@NicholasMarkTooke]

Good to see the trusted steed is going well .. would love to see more UK tours Andy it gives great inspiration to get out and about and you always give a little humour to the narration.. keep up the great work ..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you and will do!

[@johna6968]

Fair play, you always show the blunders too. That is pretty cool.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks….its only entertainment!

[@Motorscout90]

First time I see someone using a match to heat shrink wrap 😅 nice job

[@Sion_Jones]

Would love to see some solo trips on the GS. Your Scottish Western Isles and NC500 ones have been inspirations for me to do the same trips. I like seeing the places you stopped at when I pass through and recreating your trip for my own photos and memories.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool and duly noted - thanks for the feedback!

[@903lew]

I recently gave up and bought some proper allen bits for the old socket wrench. Made a world of distance when it came to breaking bolts loose from the old Tracer. They say a shoddy worksman always blames his tools but well, I am a happy amateur and I need all the help I can get! Nice video mate, get out there and put some miles on that GS (barely broken in!).

[@iscadean6038]

The surface coating on the engine guards do tend to rust over time. I fitted Ztechnik stainless steel bars on my 2011 R1200RT (they are available for the GS) and they are as beautiful as the day they were new - 12 years ago. The rear pannier guards from Touratech painted silver - not so much. Looks great on the GS.

[@Bazza47]

I had those SWMotech bars on both my 1200s and they saved the day for me on a couple of occasions but being black a quick file and a bit of filler and sandpaper followed by some simonez toughpaint bought them up like new again. The main bolt through the frame was difficult to undo 1st time around but fortunately I had some decent sockets and a long extension bar to provide enough leverage to get it off. When I put mine back on my 2nd 1200 I put a dab of copper grease on the threads which really helped when I took them off when the 2nd 1200 went back to the dealers and as they had nyloc nuts on they stayed done up. I replaced the 1200 with a 1250 and put MachineArt X heads on that instead (the 1200 bars don't fit) They're cheaper, easier to fit, look better (IMO) and if you drop your bike you can just buy the side you need, rather than having to buy a pair. The X heads are now on my 1250RS 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nice one!

[@leehenty3777]

Your bike is very well looked after, nice and clean

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@RobertJones-pm3zk]

I have a 2017 GSSA I picked up earlier this summer, one of my weaknesses is always wanting to find something to update on my bike. Oddly I haven't felt too big an urge on the GSA but there is a custom body kit that makes the machine look like one of the OG BMW adventure bikes. it's tempting but havent purchased yet....maybe something to look into to spruce up your machine and make it into a new (looking at least) Moto. Enjoy your machine!

[@colindeans5972]

Nicely done TMF, the bike looks grand.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@BIBuildy]

Looks really clean, nice job!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks!

[@davidz8]

You can tell how well you have looked after your GS, it looks like a new bike, (some might say better), adding the Chigee brings it bang up to date tech wise.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks David - the ol girl is bearing up OK isn’t she!

[@KelvinChilvers]

Nice items and spruced up again. No wonder you’re chuffed, always good doing a few mods yourself. Let’s see more Cheers Kelvin

[@Tangotop]

I always find a match next to a combustable always good form for shrink wrap. Hair dryer would do that same job or do it off the bike. As every though an interesting peak about your bike to see how the engine corrosion has faired over 10years.

[@paulfowler7618]

Its cool that you've kept that bike so long and done loads of miles on it. Unlike your other bikes that get little use but hopefully you do some tours on your retros in the future🤞

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

That's the plan!

[@mattWallJsy]

Great stuff, Andy. That second light wiring 'discrepancy ' is something we've all done before. Keep up the great work. 👍🏼

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks, will do!

[@MrTone41]

I remember watching your nc500 tour on that bike, loved the whole tour, you should deffo do some more like that.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

More tours coming soon! Stay tuned….

[@And_rew92]

0:59 decent Allen keys are good, but all you need is a small ratchet with a few Allen key sockets

[@garethevans7214]

Nice to see the gs getting some love. Solo trips sound good, nothing wrong with the ones with the mrs but like some of the other comments I used to enjoy some of your solo trips

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I must get some sorted….

[@davidholmes3449]

I've done silly things wiring up a tail tidy good of you to keep it in andy as you could have done a cheeky edit your a true honest gent that's why I'm a long subscriber keep it up

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you….

[@johnalbone3372]

Look forward to some solo tours the lake District is my favorite Nice job on the GS

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you John!

[@Dan-56]

Just a little TLC and the GS is looking good as new 👍! Definitely a keeper 😉.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think so too!

[@rlw85]

The old gs will be ready for a Norway or Finland or maybe Scotland or maybe Ireland tour next year.

[@leehenty3777]

Get a proper heat gun with a curved shield for the heat shrink. Much safer in the workshop. I’m surprised you didn’t take crash bars off and get them bead blasted and powder coated.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

The irony is I do have a heat gun - just don’t know where I put it!!!

[@iainf6]

Good job Andy and Nigel 👍... Makes the bike look new again and helps to maintain the bond you have with it. Such a great idea rather than move on to another bike. If it ain't broke .....😉

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@graemeshaw9716]

Any tour you do is top draw entertainment Andy. 👍 So by all means, please get out there on the beemer and tour.👍🏍️

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

That's the plan!

[@michaelworrall6804]

Very sensible updates and nicely done if I may say so !! 👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@matthewbinnie6194]

Copper Slip or similar when fitting the bolts and remove an re-tighten every 3 or so years if you use a bike in the UK, especially if used on salted winter roads.

[@SteveInskip]

Never use lub on a torqued up screw or bolt. All torque figures are dry.

[@223Sako]

You should borrow Mrs. Flyer's hair dryer for the heat shrink (just dont tell her). A hot air gun is better, but a hair dryer will work. Better than a burning match.

[@malcolmpatton9314]

Brilliant job Andy bike looks great i foolishly commented on one of your videos you should sell this bike after an engine light came on, I have to admit I was totally wrong it’s a keeper.

[@adonutplaysgames]

Great work, TMF. Looks flippin' lovely now. Would be great to see some rides around the Peak District. I am considering moving to somewhere around Derbyshire, so it'd be right on my doorstep and would be good to see what I have to look forward to as I hear it is lovely around there! Thanks for the video, as always!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it!

[@tedtheturbot]

I'd tuck those lights in a bit Keep em inside the mirrors anyway. Easy to miss whats going on down there

[@stephenuffindell]

Greet video.looking forward to your tours.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Coming soon!

[@jamesread9014]

One of my bikes is the 2017 BMW R1200R and it is a keeper. I really rate it and it is my favourite bike for an every day use/ touring. My other bikes are: 2024 Ducati Diavel V4 - great bike but BMW still my favourite for all use. The others are 2023 Triumph 1200 Speed Twin which I really like for shorter trips but not long distance. My 4th one is 2022 HD Sportglide. I keep it as my wife going on the back of that one otherwise I would sell it... I am not a real HD fanatic and definitely do not dress in that garb like someone out of the band Village People! From Deep South South Island New Zealand.

[@ticthedog6095]

Looking forward to some short uk tours. There’s nothing better than a impromptu 2 or 3 day tour, check the weather, rearrange work, strap a bag on the bike and go.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree - what biking is all about!

[@nickprice3605]

Great work Miss F, perfect time to chuck it in for a V4 Multi!! 😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Steady on!

[@nickprice3605]

@@TheMissendenFlyer 🤣👍

[@Jim-nm1en]

Hi Andy, WD40 is not actually a penetrating oil. It is in fact a water displacement spray hence the WD in the name. The same company does actually produce a very good penetrating fluid spray which is very good but you have to be careful how you use it as it is not good to inhale or get in your eyes.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the info!

[@ricatiman]

As usual, an excellent video. The bike looks ready for years of more use...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

That's the plan!

[@bloodknottrevelian3396]

Senior moment with the lights then! 🤣Had you considered refurbishing the crash bars instead of replacing them? I’ve recently installed a pair of auxiliary lamps on my Striple, well pleased with them as Mr Millyard would say.

[@andybrown3508]

Great video , definitely go back to basics with your videos, regarding your trips to Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 NC500, for example. They inspire many people to do those trips . 🇳🇴 Norway is another example. Some great trips around the UK 🇬🇧

[@jamesonpace726]

Funny, I'm pretty sure I could've done 4 rusty bolts, but I'm terrified of soldering. Depends what you did in past lives, I guess....

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

How hard can it possibly be!

[@mikeyfrompiha]

wow did you just use an open flame next to your petrol tank?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yep - and there’s a smell of petrol about the place!!! Oops!

[@ChristopherMcreynolds-o6x]

Great job , love your honesty ❤❤

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you so much!

[@paulholmes1682]

I was a little concerned when I noticed the axe in your tool collection A little note for the future if I may, copper grease works wonders at stopping steel bolts corroding in aluminium👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Gotta chop wood with something!

[@paulholmes1682]

@@TheMissendenFlyer fair enough!

[@tomandconnieearly1686]

I have a 2015GS with 34,000 miles. I have been thinking of trading up. I went and looked at the 1300 just like the one you are testing but also liked the new 900 GSA and rode it. I was wondering if you have done a test yet?I don't see it on your site. Tom

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Err no I don’t think I have….

[@tonvandenberg7945]

I would love to see you solo touring the GS.

[@louisgara8754]

You might consider wrapping the crossbar of your center stand with "helicopter tape" to help prevent stone chips.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes a few have mentioned that….

[@mysterybiker1717]

Thats a big saving compared to upgrading to the 1300gs, and you got a better bike imo.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Well I’m not sure it’s better but it’s better suited to my requirements for sure…

[@gaf8809]

A few day’s touring the Island of Ireland on the GS would be a good mini series!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed - it’s on the list!

[@troopz4683]

Its looking good Andy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@rodneybarcus2233]

Looking good. What would your advice be for someone trying to decide between a r1250rt or a gs for road use only. I only know from what I’ve seen in KZbin reviews and a 20 minute test ride is not helpful. I’d be interested in other people’s opinions as well.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

The RT is slightly more cramped than the GS but still a great bike - probably the better two up machine. If solo then GS I would say.

[@rodneybarcus2233]

@@TheMissendenFlyer thank you for your input. I’m solo about 98 percent of the time. I can’t believe the cost of these machines and it doesn’t seem the dealers have any that don’t have option 719$$$

[@samhill3496]

Is there a left and right light in relation as to which side the cable comes out? Good vid. Finally a clear day. You have to think things through, three or four times. I have hell at times. At 69 little things are very distracting. HAVE you seen the new 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 RS? The upgrade is really nice. Ohlins rear shocks and Marracochi front fully adjustable and upgrade Brembo brakes. all good. A Thurxton you can ride. Try one when you can.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I will - disappointed about the loss of twin clocks though!

[@lifesjourneyat50]

Looking good - Nice job!!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@bmwgsblackgus7636]

Looking great very fresh now 👌

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@peakrider4886]

Morning Andy. GS is looking great, whenever I encounter a problem that I don’t have a tool for, it just gives me an excuse to go out and buy one to expand my collection. I’m looking at a 2006 R1200GS for sale near me, looks in good shape, 46k miles, just under £3.5k. Is that a reasonable price to expect to pay?, and would the mileage be an issue as long as it’s got a good service history? Cheers, Richard

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sounds alright to me….

[@peakrider4886]

@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks, look forward to seeing you and Mrs Flyer at the ABR next year! Tickets and trail pass already in the bag!

[@andyhoggan1490]

Hi Andy. In response to your question. about going off on mine tours. How about The Northumberland 250. we did the trip in June, and it was fantastic. Ride safe.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes that’s defo on the list!

[@britishfieldtarget]

Oh, I do hate Zipties on bikes..... i've some nice 3D printed wire clamps if you'd prefer

[@Getting-On]

Love the fact I’m not the only person who makes mistakes, we all live and learn.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I’m sure everyone does - I choose not to cover mine up for entertainment purposes! Thank you for watching and for stopping by.

[@Getting-On]

@@TheMissendenFlyer that’s why you are popular, call as it is and accept it.

[@johnsumser9743]

This goes to show that if you take care of a bike and do periodic upgrades that there is no reason to spend large amounts of money on a new bike. This looks great and sounds really good . . . or you could spend $30,000 on a new GS 1300 which will do all the same things.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I could not agree more John, thank you for watching and for dropping by.

[@markycolt1]

Lake district vlogs would be great love this bike too❤

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Noted!

[@adunford2664]

Yes, it’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt, to realise you’re out of your depth and call an expert. Often it costs little and saves damage all round 😂

[@JoseSanchez-ht4cc]

You might want to replace those exhaust head bolts before it’s too late!

[@markschraider]

Hey Andy, looking good. How did you setup the beam angle for the new aux lights ??

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I didn't!!

[@seaninness334]

I'll let it pass, Andy. If you did it professionally, you would be doing it multiple times per week at least. Once in 10 years? Yeah, I think most of us make some kind of mistake. Respect for leaving that in the video. Lots of people wouldn't. Nice glow up, as they say these days, on the steady GS.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I only post these videos for the sake of entertainment - I’m not claiming to teach anyone anything!

[@sizzers58]

Looks showroom....a job well done!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks!

[@petermccullough8998]

Which crashbar lights have you fitted Andy..?? They look good quality…! Regards; Peter Scotland

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Did I not put a link below?

[@GPR111]

Nice.... this video proves yet again, if you have an ageing but good bike, theres no need to replace with the latest expensive thing unless you really want new(er).

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Agreed - and thanks for watching!

[@michaelpyke9368]

Maybe it's time to get a heat gun for the shrink wrap Andy (instead of a match)!!! And what was the name of that GPS??

[@peterdane9138]

Great bike. They peaked at the 1200. Do some more tours on it if you can.

[@ownyourworld]

I am finding it really hard to sell my 2007 air cooled gs. It’s never let me down and I’ve done the Pyrenees,dolomites tet. Got it how I want it.

[@mattWallJsy]

Don't sell it! You know you'll regret it.

[@ydarbg]

I've a 2014 green GSA...love it but with 60,000klms it's showing it's age. I'm just waiting for the ferry after 4k around Europe 2 up. It's running perfectly which leaves me torn between rejuvenation or selling 😢

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I know that feeling! Hope you had a good trip?

[@robedmunds7163]

Struggled to put a new bulb in my wife's i10 - manual says to drop the bumper, but managed without doing that - great, except when I sat back in the car the little access cover from the headlamp was on the passenger seat - sigh

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

We’ve all been there!

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Nigel is great. Since I've moved to Kent, no alternative, not even close. Now, more than ever, with dealers/ franchises going t*ts up, and charging absurd money, good, honest, independents are worth more than stardust.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Agreed - if Nigel retires I’m in real trouble….

[@geoff9614]

Was buying new crash bars and having them fitted cheaper than getting the old ones blast cleaned and powder coated would love to see a tour of Yorkshire or Lake District

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

In my case yes it was….

[@zweispurmopped]

I hear that somebody there did a web search for copyright-free music and found that all the old waxwaltz recordings have become public domain! 🤗 …may I just say that the KZbin videos I never made would have sounded just like that? 😅 6.52 Did that happen to be a recording by the Imperial Marimba Band, ca. 1920?

[@Themotograndpa]

Can beat a bit off bike maintenance at least you try Andy 👍try north Devon for a little trip I can show you some great roads and views around here 👍

[@paullavender2537]

Good to see I’m not the only one .Admit defeat and go and do something enjoyable. Spent all of Sunday trying to follow “simple” video instructions for rack and panniers. Got rack and top box on no trouble. Then:“ Re attach the foot pegs with the rack support”……. Took 1 minute on the video, looks and sounds so easy……3 sweaty hours later we gave up after multiple attempts, disassembling,reassembling, loosening,tightening-if it don’t fit don’t force it-get someone who knows what they’re doing.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

100% agreed!

[@lonely_trans_girl]

GS is looking ready for road tripping! Cant wait to see where you get to. That wire through the hole incident is so something i would do. 😢 Stuff is hard 😂❤️

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you for watching and dropping by once again!

[@Metalguitarpete]

My red 2013 GS TE has 48k miles. I have stainless steel crash bars and they look like new.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sadly I prefer the look of the black ones…

[@Smudge64]

Scenic is a great app to use with chigge or Waze, both of which are better for the bike. I have my 1300 chigged out

[@maverick_2352]

gettin’ chigee wit it!

[@nigelsride]

Everyone needs a Nige and a lighter 😂, great video, Andy

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Absolutely

[@roadsey7012]

Andy, are the lights fitted the wrong way round, left & right as they seem to stick out more and are not protected by the crash bars. otherwise entertaining as always

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Probably!!

[@neilstodart9102]

I thought the same. Easy mistake to make.

[@AManAstray]

Hi Andy Hope you do/did manage to get out on a solo tour up't norf. Here in Yorkshire ain't too bad, but there's plenty of nice roads north of Watford. 😀 I've just got back from a solo tour around Europe, which was interesting. Thankfully I missed the heavy snow in Austria and the Dolomites by about 48 hours, although it was snowing a bit on the Grimsel pass. I've done a few trips with friends/family over the years, but this was one was on my own. Left with my own thoughts and nobody to discuss options.....oh dear! Just catching up with your vids, while I was away. thx G

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

As it happens I’m typing this to you from the Alps - where I’m on a bike tour…stay tuned!

[@AManAstray]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Good Stuff. Hope you're not caught up in the floods and snow.

[@philg7889]

Currently watching a channel called 'Freddie Dobbs' (too). He goes out on his bike and takes us with him, but it's always real. When it all gets a bit lavish, with gifts and trips paid for by sponsors - I usually turn off. I think we need to be able to relate to what you're doing, and few of us can trot-off to Morocco at the drop of a hat. I really enjoyed the early trips - especially the Arctic Circle.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I completely get that - I’m a huge fan of Freddie too….lovely chap.

[@donalharrington6462]

Freddy is awesome

[@steveduncan7637]

Great channel but wondering how you do the early starts ? I hate being up early , my work is regular nights and when I’m off it’s usually 10am or later when up.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

What early starts?

[@steveduncan7637]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Up and about then posting just after 7am. That’s early to me mate .

[@milabaigar]

Andy look at colights , bit late I know very good lights . The one you fitted I had a let in water 💦 now in bin 🤣😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

As I said, I’ve had 10 years of great service out of the first set, I’m only replacing them for aesthetic reasons. Thanks for watching and for the suggestion!